Associate Director, Manufacturing

Associate Director – Manufacturing Operations

Location: Craigavon

Hours: 35 hours per week Monday to Friday flexitime

Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits package

Business Unit: Almac Pharma Services

Ref No.: HRJOB11478

Almac Pharma Services provide expert development and manufacturing solutions to support the provision of medicines and treatments to patients worldwide. Operating from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, our highly skilled team ensures efficient and reliable production and packaging of commercial drug products.

We are now seeking an experienced and highly capable Associate Director to lead our large‑scale Laxido manufacturing and packaging operation.

This is a senior leadership role within a 24/7, highly regulated manufacturing facility, managing a workforce of 100+ employees across blending, primary and secondary packaging, manual packing and serialisation. As a key member of the Operations Management Team, you will play a critical role in shaping operational strategy, ensuring cGMP compliance, driving performance, and delivering for our customers.

We are seeking applications from experienced manufacturing or operations leaders ready to join our team in a dynamic, challenging and rewarding role that ultimately contributes to the advancement of human health.

The role

You will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Laxido packaging operation, ensuring the function consistently delivers against business objectives while fostering a culture of operational excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Leading and developing a high‑performing operations team, including Production Shift Managers and Technical Support teams, within a 24/7 operating environment
• Ensuring all operations are executed in full compliance with cGMP, regulatory requirements and Almac quality systems
• Owning the Quality Management System for the department, including SOPs, deviations, CAPA and change management
• Managing complex new product introductions (NPI), technical transfers, process and equipment validation activities
• Driving operational performance and ensuring resource models, shift structures and labour utilisation align with forecast demand and business needs
• Leading and contributing to capital investment projects, equipment selection and facility design decisions
• Working closely with Planning, Commercial, Logistics and wider Packaging teams to deliver customer satisfaction and schedule adherence
• Acting as a visible leader who leads by example, promotes collaboration and builds strong cross‑functional relationships

Key Requirements:

• Degree (or equivalent level qualification) or significant senior‑level experience in a comparable manufacturing or operations leadership role
• Management experience within a packaging operation
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical or other regulated environment
• Demonstrated experience of new product introduction, process and equipment validation
• A strong track record in performance management, including use of OEE and variance reporting
• Experience developing and leading shift‑based management teams
• Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills
• Proven ability to analyse operations, optimise resources and implement sustainable process improvements

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK
• This role may require coverage beyond normal working hours. It is a condition of your employment that you can fulfil this requirement of the role.

Why Build Your Career at Almac?

At Almac, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Your future matters — and our approach is simple: we support, develop and reward our people, build fulfilling careers and together we advance human health. Find out more about our Support, Develop, and Reward initiatives here:

https://www.almacgroup.com/careers/life-at-almac/

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join a company where no two days are the same, where you will be challenged, supported, and empowered to drive real change. Apply today and take the next step in your career with Almac.

Apply Now

For further information relating to the essential and desirable criteria, please review the person specification attached to the online job posting.

Apply online - please ensure your CV clearly outlines how you meet the criteria for this role. Please upload your CV in PDF format where possible.

Closing Date

Closing date for receipt of applications 06 May 2026 at 17:00